Regulating interfacial reaction through electrolyte chemistry enables gradient interphase for low-temperature zinc metal batteries

Abstract In situ formation of a stable interphase layer on zinc surface is an effective solution to suppress dendrite growth. However, the fast transport of bivalent Zn-ions within the solid interlayer remains very challenging. Herein, we engineer the SEI components and enable superior kinetics of Zn metal batteries under harsh conditions through regulating the sequence of interfacial chemical reaction. With the differences in chemical reactivity of trimethyl phosphate co-solvent and trifluoromethanesulfonate anions in the Zn 2+ -solvation shell, Zn 3 (PO 4 ) 2 and ZnF 2 are successively generated on Zn metal surface to form a gradient ZnF 2 –Zn 3 (PO 4 ) 2 interphase. Mechanistic studies reveal the outer ZnF 2 facilitates Zn 2+ desolvation and inner Zn 3 (PO 4 ) 2 serves as channels for fast Zn 2+ transport, contributing to long-term cycling at subzero temperatures. Impressively, the gradient SEI enables a high lifespan over 7000 hours in Zn symmetric cell and a capacity retention of 86.1% after 12000 cycles in Zn–KVOH full cell at –50 °C.